Sharenting puts childhood online

Children now appear in digital spaces more than ever. Family photos once kept private are now shared publicly, with some kids becoming influencers with brand deals.

Most Malaysian parents share online

A Universiti Malaya study found 62.2% of 325 parents surveyed actively share content about their children, mostly everyday moments and academic achievements.

Adults share kids' content too

Among 395 adults surveyed who aren't parents yet, 37.7% share content about siblings or family members. Sharenting has become a broader social habit.

Ethics matter more than awareness

The study found ethical habits like asking permission were stronger predictors of children's wellbeing than parents' general safety awareness.

Camera interrupts identity formation

Erik Erikson's theory shows children build self-confidence through free play from preschool age. Frequent camera interruptions affect this foundation and carry through later development.

Kids learn to perform online

Albert Bandura's social learning theory suggests children imitate adults. If performing for cameras becomes normal, kids may see constant online sharing as ordinary rather than questionable.

Public sharing erodes intimacy

John Bowlby's attachment theory shows secure bonds form through private interactions. When intimate moments are shared publicly, that intimacy risks becoming performance.

Knowing risks doesn't change behavior

Both parents and adults rated themselves highly on digital security awareness. Yet this knowledge barely correlated with safer sharing practices.

“Knowing the risks, in other words, is not the same as acting on them.”

Ask children for permission first

Even if kids are too young for full consent, adults can check if they're comfortable and respect their no. This acknowledges their feelings and autonomy.

Protect identifying information

School uniforms, street signs, and recognisable locations reveal where children live or study. Content from bath time or toilet training is especially easy to misuse.

Keep struggles private

Tantrums, punishments, or personal struggles placed in public view can affect how a child feels about themselves later. These moments deserve privacy and respect dignity.

Children need offline time

Kids should have plenty of unrecorded playtime to explore and interact freely. Offline experiences give them room to develop independently of digital performance.

Explain what sharing means

Adults can explain in age-appropriate ways what happens when content is recorded, why it's shared, and who might see it. This helps kids understand the difference between real life and online content.

Think about their future feelings

Before posting, ask how the child will feel about this content when they're older. If uncertain, keeping it private may be the safer path.